WRITTEN BY: Tammy C. Perez, M.A., NCC, LCDC, LPC
REVIEWED BY: Dr. Terry Schroeder on April 18, 2023
Alzheimer's Disease
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting memory, cognitive function, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all diagnoses. The disease primarily affects older adults, with most cases occurring in individuals aged 65 or older. However, early-onset Alzheimer's can affect people as young as 40 or 50.
What causes Alzheimer’s?
The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown. Research shows it is likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that lead to its development. Several critical factors believed to contribute to the cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease include amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, inflammation, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
One of the leading indicators of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein, which forms plaques in the spaces between nerve cells. These plaques disrupt neuronal communication and trigger inflammation. Neurofibrillary tangles consist of a protein called tau, which includes irregular structures that can disrupt the transport of nutrients and other essential molecules within the cells. Chronic inflammation caused by the body's immune response to amyloid plaques and the abnormal collection of tau proteins contributes to the death of brain cells. Genes identified as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include the APOE gene. APOE4, a particular variant of the APOE gene, increases the risk of developing the disease.
Studies have suggested certain lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, and limited social engagement, may also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease vary from person to person and may worsen over time. Common conditions include memory loss, difficulty solving problems, trouble completing familiar tasks, confusion, speaking and writing issues, and misplacing things. Other symptoms are social withdrawal, mood changes, and decreased decision-making ability.
Memory loss is one of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. People may need help remembering recent events, conversations, or newly learned information. They may also need help with tasks that require organization, decision-making, or problem-solving. Routine tasks can become challenging to perform due to mental confusion. Additionally, those with Alzheimer's may struggle to find the right words, repeat themselves, or have difficulty following or joining conversations and frequently misplace things.
Alzheimer's disease can affect decision-making and judgment, leading to adverse choices or neglect of personal hygiene and self-care. People may withdraw from hobbies, social activities, or work due to difficulty keeping up with tasks or following conversations. Changes in mood and personality can also occur, including irritability, depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
Experiencing memory difficulties or cognitive decline is a normal part of aging. However, Alzheimer's disease presents a more significant and progressive decline in cognitive function. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis if experiencing any of these symptoms.
How is it Alzheimer’s treated?
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments and interventions that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with the condition. Treatment strategies involve a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and support services.
Several medicines are available to help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Adopting healthy habits can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve overall well-being. Lifestyle changes, including physical exercise, eating a healthy diet, engaging in cognitive and social activities, ensuring adequate sleep, and stress management, can help decrease symptoms. Support services like psychotherapy can provide emotional support and benefit people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
How does Alzheimer’s affect brain health?
Alzheimer's disease primarily impacts memory, thinking, behavior, and other cognitive functions. The following conditions categorize the changes experienced within the brain, amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, loss of synaptic connections, inflammation, neuronal death and brain atrophy, and vascular dysfunction.
The cumulative effect of these changes leads to the characteristic cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes seen in people with Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progresses, the brain's ability to function deteriorates, eventually affecting the ability to perform even basic daily tasks.
How can Brain Frequency™ help?
The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.
The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.
Those suffering from symptoms of Alzheimer’s can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.
RESOURCES
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/
National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/